Cardinal Land Conservancy Eagles Live Webcam

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Cardinal Land Conservancy

This eagle cam is located in Southwest Ohio at the Bortz Family Nature Preserve, a 120-acre nature preserve inside the City of Cincinnati, Ohio. The preserve is home to a variety of Ohio native species of wildflowers, resident and migratory birds as well as the eagle pair seen in this live cam. The eagles, named Bonnie and Clyde have observed safely and sustainably via the webcams since 2022.

The CLC eagle nest cameras operate on a solar powered system. When the batteries charge runs low, one or more cameras may be turned off during non-peak hours to conserve voltage.

The Cardinal Land Conservency Eagle cam is sponsored by Laura Curliss Co., LPA , Towne Properties, Davey Resource Group, Upper Deck Bar & Grill and Duke Energy.

Donate to the CLC Eagle Cam Fund and become a Cam Keeper!
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E329728&id=8

Frequently Asked Questions

What eagles am I watching here?

A pair of wild bald eagles—nicknamed Bonnie and Clyde—nesting at the Bortz Family Nature Preserve in Cincinnati, Ohio.

When is peak action at this nest?

Late winter through early summer: eggs are typically laid in February, hatching in March, with young branching and fledging in late May to June.

What behaviors should I look for during incubation?

Adults swap incubation duties, gently turn the eggs, and add nest material to keep the bowl dry and insulated.

How do nestlings change week to week?

They progress from downy, wobbly chicks to dark-feathered juveniles practicing wing flaps, balance, and short hops along the nest.

When do young eagles usually take their first flight?

Fledging commonly occurs in early June after weeks of wing strengthening and confident branching.

Where is the nest located?

In the Bortz Family Nature Preserve, a Cardinal Land Conservancy property within the City of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Why do adults bring sticks and greenery all season?

They constantly remodel: sticks reinforce the rim, and fresh sprigs can help with insect control and nest hygiene.

What do the eagles hunt around this preserve?

Typical prey includes fish, waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion from nearby waterways and fields.

How can I tell the adults from the juveniles?

Adults have white heads and tails with bright yellow bills; juveniles are mottled brown with darker bills that brighten with age.

Do the eagles mate for life?

Bald eagles form long-term pair bonds and often return to the same territory and nest area in successful years.

Why might the nest look quiet in fall?

Outside the nesting season the pair may spend more time away from the nest while patrolling the territory and foraging.

What weather patterns affect viewing here?

Southwest Ohio has four distinct seasons; snow is possible in winter, while spring brings active nesting and lush foliage.

How big is a bald eagle nest?

A nest can span several feet across and weigh hundreds of pounds after years of additions.

What’s “mantling,” and why do chicks do it?

Mantling is when an eagle hunches over food with spread wings to shield a meal from siblings or intruders.

Is it normal to see only one adult for stretches?

Yes—while one forages, the other often incubates or broods; later, both may hunt to meet growing chicks’ needs.

What’s the typical clutch size for bald eagles?

Two eggs are most common, though one or three can occur.

Why do some feedings look rough?

Adults tear prey into bite-sized pieces; feedings can appear frantic, but parents aim food to the chicks’ beaks.

What signals that fledging is near?

Confident branching, long wing holds into the wind, and strong, repeated hop-flaps along the nest edge.

Where do fledglings go after they leave?

They remain in the territory for weeks, honing flight and landing skills and still begging food from the adults.

How can viewers support this project?

Donate to the Cardinal Land Conservancy Eagle Cam Fund to help maintain the cameras and habitat work.

Why is the stream sometimes unavailable?

The system runs on solar power; to protect the batteries, cameras may be paused during low-charge periods.

Are these eagles banded or tracked?

There’s no indication of banding here; identification relies on plumage, size differences, and behavior.

What local landscape features shape eagle life here?

The preserve’s mix of forest, wetlands, and nearby waterways provides perches, nest trees, and access to prey.

Is it okay to visit the preserve to look for the eagles?

Follow posted rules, keep respectful distances from wildlife and nest areas, and stay on designated trails.

What’s a fun fact about Bonnie and Clyde’s nest?

Eagle nests can be used and expanded for many years, becoming some of the largest structures built by any bird.